In an increasingly interconnected world, communication tools play an essential role in facilitating the exchange of ideas and discussions over the Internet. In particular, we must have profession-specific tools for synchronous distance collaboration that focus on users' interests, such as mathematics and science. As early as 1990 (http://www.w3.org/History/1989/proposal.html), when the original view of the Web emerged, scientists realized it would be extremely valuable to have a readable and writable collaborative medium. Our community's current needs regarding the use of mathematical notation and symbols, which are part of the fabric of scientific professional life, are far from met; this is a completely open technological challenge for investigation.